UN appeals for support for kids affected by Turkey-Syria quakes

Geneva : The Unicef has called for continued support for the millions of children affected by the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquakes in February that killed 59,259 people in the two neighbouring nations.
Since the 7.9 and 7.7-magnitude earthquakes struck on February 6, 2.5 million children in Turkey and 3.7 million in Syria remain in need of humanitarian assistance, Xinhua news agency quoted the Unicef as saying in a report.
The two initial massive earthquakes, followed by thousands of aftershocks, have pushed many families to the brink and left children homeless and without access to essential services, including safe water, education and medical care, and increased protection risks for vulnerable children, it said.
“In the aftermath of the earthquakes, children in both countries have experienced unimaginable loss and grief,” said Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell in the report.
“The earthquakes struck areas where many families were already incredibly vulnerable. Children have lost family and loved ones, and seen their homes, schools and communities devastated and their entire lives turned upside down.” Also Read UN continues to provide quake-related aid to Syria, Turkey At present, vulnerable children in hard-hit areas are exposed to threats, including violence, forced marriage or labour, and school dropout.